立法院張裕榮副秘書長於本（11月20）日上午在國際事務處林晨富處長陪同下，接見「美國新英格蘭地區州議會領袖訪問團」一行10人。
Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-Jung of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, met with the 10-member delegation of state legislative leaders from the New England region of the United States on the morning of November 20.
張副秘書長代表韓國瑜院長接待來自美國新英格蘭地區各州議會領袖們，首先引用論語「有朋自遠方來，不亦樂乎？」表達誠摯歡迎，訪賓不遠千里來到立院交流互動，可見台美關係真摯友好，並恭賀在座議員自甫落幕之選舉中勝出。
Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-Jung, representing Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han, warmly received the state legislative leaders from the New England region of the United States. He expressed his heartfelt welcome to the delegation by quoting The Analects of Confucius, "Is it not a delight to have friends come from afar?" He remarked that their long journey to engage with the Legislative Yuan highlights the genuine and friendly nature of Taiwan-U.S. relations. He also extended his congratulations to the legislators present on their recent electoral successes.
張副秘書長繼指出，本屆立法院有3個黨團，113席委員中有55位新科委員，女性委員則有47位，佔比高達總席次的41%，在亞洲各國國會中比例最高。台灣是自由民主國家，感謝在座議員關注台海情勢並長期支持台灣，特別是樂見美國依「台灣關係法」落實對台各項𠄘諾，以及台美在經貿、投資等領域持續深化合作。
Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-Jung further highlighted that the current Legislative Yuan comprises three caucuses, with 55 of its 113 members being newly elected legislators. Additionally, 47 of the members are women, accounting for an impressive 41% of the total seats—the highest proportion among parliaments in Asia. Taiwan is a free and democratic nation, and Deputy Secretary-General Chang expressed his gratitude to the attending legislators for their attention to the situation in the Taiwan Strait and their longstanding support for Taiwan. He particularly appreciated the United States' commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and welcomed the continued deepening of Taiwan-U.S. cooperation in areas such as economic, trade, and investment relations.
張副秘書長續謂，本（113）年迄今已有美國聯邦國會參、眾議員31位，以及德州、密西根州與愛達荷州等3位州長與各州議會參、眾兩院的議長及領袖等共8團78位貴賓到訪台灣，立法院同時也接待來自美國政、學各界訪賓30餘團，透過雙邊交流增進彼此互動與理解，均有助深化台美友好關係，期盼未來雙方在各領域有更多合作與交流的機會。
Deputy Secretary-General Chang further noted that, as of this year (2024), Taiwan has welcomed 31 U.S. federal senators and representatives, along with three state governors from Texas, Michigan, and Idaho, as well as speakers and leaders from state legislatures. In total, eight delegations comprising 78 distinguished guests from the United States have visited Taiwan. Additionally, the Legislative Yuan has hosted over 30 delegations from various political and academic sectors in the United States. These bilateral exchanges have significantly enhanced interaction and mutual understanding, contributing to the strengthening of Taiwan-U.S. relations. He expressed his hope for greater opportunities for cooperation and exchanges across various fields in the future.
訪問團團長緬因州眾議會塔伯特羅絲議長首先感謝張副秘書長撥冗熱情接待，伊表示同團議員大多為首次訪台，對台灣的印象深刻美好，近日已分別拜會台灣政府相關部會，就能源、經貿等相關議題深入交換意見，盼未來台美能於更多層面強化合作，共創雙贏。
The head of the delegation, Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross of the Maine House of Representatives, began by expressing her appreciation to Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-Jung for his warm reception and hospitality. She noted that most members of the delegation were visiting Taiwan for the first time and had been deeply impressed by the country. In recent days, the delegation had met with various Taiwanese government agencies to engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as energy, economics, and trade. She expressed her hope for strengthened Taiwan-U.S. collaboration across multiple sectors in the future, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.
羅德島州眾議院甘迺迪代議長表示，由於我國外交部駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處的不懈努力，台灣在新英格蘭地區家喻戶曉，每年都會舉辦「台灣日」的活動，當天美國人民會享用珍珠奶茶等具台灣特色食物，增進對台灣的瞭解；他並提及由於台美共享民主價值，想藉此次訪台傳達美國人民對台灣的支持，希望未來能更進一步深化交流，祝福台美友誼長存。
Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy of the Rhode Island House of Representatives stated that, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston, Taiwan has become a household name throughout the New England region. He noted that an annual "Taiwan Day" event is held in the area, during which Americans enjoy unique Taiwanese treats such as bubble tea, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Taiwan. He further mentioned that Taiwan and the United States share common democratic values and expressed his intention to use this visit to convey the support of the American people for Taiwan. He hoped for further deepening of exchanges in the future and extended his best wishes for the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the United States.
雙方嗣就我國政治體制、立法委員選舉方式、議事規則及原住民從政等議題廣泛交流，氣氛友好愉快，在雙方互贈禮品及合影後，由國際事務處人員陪同導覽議場，期間林處長偕同仁與訪團成員就立法院議場座次安排、討論法案議事、委員質詢、辯論及投票等議題進行交流，此次參訪歷約90分鐘圓滿結束。
The two sides engaged in extensive and friendly discussions on topics such as Taiwan's political system, the legislative election process, parliamentary procedures, and the participation of Indigenous peoples in politics. The atmosphere was cordial and pleasant. After exchanging gifts and taking group photos, the delegation was accompanied by staff from the International Affairs Department for a guided tour of the Legislative Yuan chamber. During the tour, Director Kevin C.F. Lin and his colleagues exchanged views with the delegation on issues such as the seating arrangements in the chamber, the legislative deliberation process, interpellations, debates, and voting procedures. The 90-minute visit concluded successfully.
